Bennett sits, Britt stands in support during anthem at Seahawks preseason home opener

SEATTLE, Washington- KOMO reports Seahawks defensive end Michael Bennett sat on the bench during the national anthem prior to the team’s preseason home-opener against the Vikings Friday night at CenturyLink Field. He was flanked by teammate, center Justin Britt, who stood next to Bennett in support with a hand on his shoulder.

In an interview at the VMAC earlier this week, Bennett defended his plans to sit during the anthem for the rest of the season.

“Hoping that I can activate everybody to get off their hands and feet and go out into the communities and push helping each other, push you know sit down with somebody of the opposite sex, sit down with somebody that’s the opposite race, different religion and understand that people are different,” he said. “Join your community and try to change your society, change what you’re a part of. If you don’t like it, keep changing it.”

In an interview with CNN, Bennett said he won’t stand until he feels there’s equality and justice.

“I won’t stand until everybody has freedom you know, things that America is build on. I think protests to the national anthem begins the conversation about the truth of America.”

He went on to say he’s not against Old Glory, just wants people to understand what it stands for.